The Shipbreakers
On a six-mile stretch of beach at a place called Alang, in India, some 200 ships stand side by side in progressive stages of dissection, spilling their black innards onto the tidal flats. Here is where half the world's ships come to die -- ripped apart by hand into scrap metal. Alang is a foul, desperate, and dangerous place, and a wonder of the world.
by William Langewiesche[At the author's request, this article is unavailable online.]

Being Saint Francis
In a literary reconstruction, a novelist explores the personal transformation of Francesco Bernardone, a rich man's son.
by Valerie Martin

Web Only: The Canticle of the Creatures
Valerie Martin introduces a recording of the famous song composed by Saint Francis. Plus, an additional excerpt from Martin's forthcoming book, Salvation: Scenes From the Life of St. Francis.

The Queen Is Dead
Gay men today are mostly indifferent to -- if not contemptuous of -- old-time gay icons like Judy Garland. But the emotional strata of the gay-Garland connection are worth excavating.
by Michael Joseph Gross

Arts & LeisureTravel:Between the Vineyards
The truffles and hazelnuts. The fine wines. The bike routes threading among the foothills. All these things drew our correspondent to Italy's Piedmont region.by Corby Kummer

Music:Charlie Haden, Bass
No other bass player since Charles Mingus has seemed so thoroughly joined to his instrument.by Francis Davis